Chief Public Safety Communications & 9-1-1 Leader

APCO International; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a Public Safety Communications Director to provide strategic leadership for the county’s 9-1-1 operations, emergency dispatch, and related technology management. The role oversees planning, operations, and vendor contracts to ensure reliable public safety communications for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and the community.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of progressively responsible leadership in public safety, familiarity with CAD and E9-1-1 systems, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public safety operations preferred.
• Knowledge of CAD, radio communications infrastructure, E9-1-1 systems, and emergency medical dispatching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of Public Safety Communications Center operations.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and performance standards for operational excellence.
• Lead departmental workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee budgeting and fiscal management for the department with transparency and accountability.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and partner agencies to ensure integrated public safety services.
• Represent the department in regional, state, and national forums and lead public information initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Public safety knowledge

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered

Tools

CAD systems

Radio communications infrastructure

E9-1-1 systems

Emergency management practices

Job description

La Crosse County is seeking a Public Safety Communications Director to provide strategic leadership for the county’s 9-1-1 operations, emergency dispatch, and related technology management. The role oversees planning, operations, and vendor contracts to ensure reliable public safety communications for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and the community.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of progressively responsible leadership in public safety, familiarity with CAD and E9-1-1 systems, and a